Kiwis flock to the Coromandel Peninsula in the summer when pristine beaches - lined with impressive pohutakawas that seemingly hang on for life with their roots only just below the surface - beckon you to come and have fun, swim, fish and relax. However, the Coromandel isn't just about the beaches, it's a destination steeped in history and worth a visit all year round. 

Forget the image of you in a bikini on a sun-drenched beach for a minute and imagine yourself sitting on the back of a Harley Davidson motorbike (www.bulrangi.com), taking in the sights around Waihi and having Baz (your local driver) tell you about gold, Maori history, the hippies and the kauri trees, all which are vital ingredients in the Coromandel cocktail.

History lessons

Waihi is at the bottom of the Coromandel and is the ‘entrance' to the peninsula. That's not to say you shouldn't stay, kick back and enjoy it.

Unfortunately, by the time the eco-conscious hippies arrived, most of the kauris had been exploited. But thankfully there are still a few amazing trees left to admire and you will be stunned by the Martha gold mine (www.marthamine.co.nz). At the Waihi I-site there's a marvellous display detailing the mine's history and the future of the gold.

[IMG2 P] 

It's also worthwhile getting off the bike at the nearby Karangahake Gorge, where DOC has brought history alive with numerous walks. If you go with a guide you will learn more of how timber and gold went together back in the day, when timber was in demand for the mine-shaft supports and as firewood for kilns and boilers.

Whether you prefer motels or backpackers, hosted accommodation or good old camping, the Coromandel has it all, including some fantastic lodges, such as Willem and Carla van de Veen's luxury eco-lodge at Manawa Ridge.

The Dutch couple, who came out here to farm 15 years ago, built an amazing straw-bale-and-mud-brick house on top of a hill, and share it with keen travellers who want a bit of luxury. Not only will they pamper you, they'll give you a rundown of what else to do during your visit.

The fact is that the Coromandel has so much to offer that you could spend weeks here without getting bored. In fact, you'll probably be overwhelmed by the number of activities available.

If you like outdoor activities you'll love meeting Mike, a keen kayaker who loves to share the sea and the iconic sights with visitors (www.seakayaktours.co.nz). After a brief lesson on the beach you're away paddling in the direction of the peninsula's most famous spot, the limestone archway aptly named Cathedral Cove.

If snorkelling is your thing, get your gear ready and explore the beautiful Marine Reserve beside the Cove. It's another iconic attraction, recently used as a movie set in the Narnia movie Prince Caspian.

If you prefer firm ground under your feet, this is truly a tramper's paradise. Try the three-hour coastal walk at the very top of the peninsula, which boasts incredible sea views. It's not too hard but it does have a strenuous bit in the middle.

Food and fun

Coromandel Town is all about lifestyle, great eateries and tempting seafood. The Coromandel Smoking Company is ideal to stop at for picnic supplies when you're on the way out to enjoy family fun at the Waiau Waterworks (www.waiauwaterworks.co.nz) or maybe at the Driving Creek Railway (www.drivingcreekrailway.co.nz), both of which can easily be done in a day.

[IMG1 P] 

The former is an interactive garden with whimsical water creations, the latter is the work of a potter. Needing clay from the mountains, Barry Brickell built a private railway through the bush, to help transport clay to his workshop. Take in the scenery on a train ride before browsing the pottery.

Take some time to head south of Coromandel Town to visit the Rapaura Watergardens (www.rapaura.com).

If you're not already married then the romantic lake could make a perfect wedding venue. The owners are great chefs, so you'll be well catered for, and the accommodation could easily tempt you to stay for a few days.

Almost everyone has heard about the Coromandel's Hot Water Beach (www.hotwaterbeach.co.nz). If you're happy to queue up to a dig a hole for a seat in the hot therapeutic waters, do so. It's fun but the small area of beach can get pretty crowded.

Once there, check out quality art at Moko (www.moko.co.nz), the gallery just above the beach, before or after stopping in for a coffee and a light meal at the renowned Hot Waves Cafe.

Come dinner time you will be spoilt for choice - be it a waterfront seafood restaurant in Whitianga, a gourmet cafe in Coromandel Town or the local fish-and-chip shop in Hahei. Wherever you decide to go, the chefs know exactly what to do with the fresh local produce. The only responsibility you have is to enjoy it.

Coromandel is a 90-minute drive from Auckland and Hamilton. To help you plan your trip, the official tourism website has all the local information you need. Visit www.thecoromandel.com or call (07) 868 0017. Go to www.bularangi.com for further details on the activities listed here, plus places to stay.